Acts 15:1-5

A controversy over "Law Keeping” Acts 15:1-5: Some people came from Judea to Antioch and started teaching the Gentile Christians that they could not be saved unless they were circumcised as Moses had taught. They were not sent by God, or by the apostles. They came down of "themselves" or on their own. These brethren caused trouble, and the disturbance and uneasiness continued for some time. Paul and Barnabas argued with them about this teaching. It was agreed upon that Paul and Barnabas and a few others would go to Jerusalem and discuss this problem with the apostles and the elders.

As Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Jerusalem they went through Phoenicia and Samaria. There they told of how the Gentiles had turned to God. This news brought joy to the followers of Christ. When these brethren reached Jerusalem they were welcomed by the church. They told them what God had done through them and how that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. Some Pharisees that had become Christians said, "Gentile Christians must be circumcised and obey the Law of Moses." This is what the Jerusalem conference was all about.